Disclaimer
I don't own Harry Potter.
In fact, if you get down to it I probably own very little of the ideas being used in this story. But I am not getting paid for them and have hopefully put them together in a new and interesting way.
Enjoy.
Authors Note
And here is the latest instalment. Late, but never forgotten.
I had an interesting review that said I was progressing Harry a little too quick; I probably am, but that doesn't mean things are easy for him.
Not sure what else to say really. Enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 21
The Monday duelling training went badly, for the Auror's at least. Their new levels of teamwork, and the trick Ginny taught them to get their spell power back up to strength, took the Aurors off guard as they found themselves pinned down and their shields battered to pieces. It was the first time the girls had managed to beat the Aurors.
Kingsley, after a frustrating week stuck behind a desk dealing with Pure-Blood Politics, had a lot of energy and aggravation to burn and Harry was the perfect target. After his loss the previous week he pulled out all the stops, taking advantage of Flitwick's presence as a duelling partner. Harry found himself facing a very difficult pair of opponents. This was the Auror who fought Death Eaters and a true Duelling Master Harry surmised as he spun away from an attack and fired back a pair of spells simultaneously.
This was a much harder fight. Kingsley and Flitwick weren't holding back anything. If he thought Kingsley was fighting dirty last time it had nothing on this duel and Flitwick matched him. Harry was constantly struggling to keep on the offensive and maintain some semblance of control in the ongoing battle.
The girls watched the violent lightshow, spells flying with dangerous accuracy, as the trio continued their violent dance. As much as Harry was struggling, so were his more experienced opponents. They used all of their experience, every spell and every dirty trick to allow them to keep up with the younger, faster and more powerful wizard, who could cast two spells at once. Harry was hampered by his smaller repertoire of spells and his lack of experience but he was a rapid learner. Several times Kingsley and Flitwick were put on the back foot as Harry used one of their own tricks against them.
Harry's stamina had improved and he had a much better grasp of his magic now causing the duel to become a war of attrition as glancing hits began to mount up. Harry only held on due to his opponents lack of experience in working together, though they were adapting quickly. The first to land a solid hit would win. The audience felt their nerves acting up as the air was saturated with magic from the sheer volume of power being used.
A hit to his leg nearly took Harry out of the fight. He managed to roll to his feet and remain standing but the pain was enough to cut into his focus. He knew he had lost any advantage of mobility, he needed a new plan and fast. Kingsley pressed his advantage sensing Harry's predicament and tried to end the fight. Flitwick joined him, sliding to the side to try and out flank Harry.
Harry's sudden shift in tactics took them by surprise. He stopped trying to dodge entirely and raised the strongest shield he could and began weaving a quick ward.
Kingsley and Flitwick began hammering away at Harry's shield with every ounce of power they could muster but while it shuddered, it held firm. Harry's raw magical reserves were beyond both the Auror and former Professional Dueller. They were beyond most wizards. As every spell was repelled, the pair could feel victory slipping away.
It vanished entirely as Harry completed his ward and everything within ten meters of him was hit by a massive amount of stunning energy. Flitwick's and Kingsley's hastily raised shields buckled and collapsed then consciousness was taken from them.
"Fuck me!" Tonks swore.
No one criticised her bad language, they were all thinking the same thing.
"That would be an effective way of ending a real fight, especially if you could protect your allies from it." Hestia said.
"It's a little slow." Harry countered, panting. "Given that Death Eaters would happily throw Killing Curses at me while I was standing there, I would be too vulnerable."
"Perhaps, but I'm sure we can work something out." Hestia replied. "You tend not to face Unforgivables during routine Auror investigations."
"We can figure it out another time. Could one of you ask Winky to get Tracy, my leg is a bit sore."
Susan complied as Ginny and Daphne went to look his wounds over. Luna went to look wake Flitwick while Tonks headed for Kingsley. They managed to enervate them but they were a little groggy.
Tracy appeared at a run and went straight for Harry.
"What were you lot doing?" Tracy said sharply as she looked Harry over. "Honestly. The damage you did to each other. Do the words 'taking it easy' mean nothing to you?"
"Dunno." Harry said tiredly. "Can I get back to you?"
Tracy growled at him as she worked on his leg. "There. Sit down and rest. This is the end of your training for the day. That leg needs you to stay off it so it can heal."
"Yes, Madam Davis." Harry plonked down on the ground.
Kingsley was checked out and cleared with the same instructions and sat next to Harry. "That was a well fought duel, Harry. You're really coming along."
Flitwick joined them. "Indeed. That was well done. Congratulations on your victory."
"I noticed you were fighting particularly dirtily." Harry commented.
"We stayed within formal tournament rules." Flitwick grinned.
"Rough week. I'll take field work to desk work any day." Kingsley grumped.
"So you took it out on me?"
"It was your fault. If you hadn't gotten Fudge fired and Madam Bones to replace him I wouldn't be suck dealing with those stuck-up, arrogant, pain-in-the-arses."
"Oh, yeah, sorry about that." Harry didn't sound the least bit sorry.
"I'm sure." Kingsley grunted. "So, how do you think you did?"
"Good. You changed your style a lot and used a lot of spells and tricks I hadn't encountered before. I managed to keep up and beat you anyway so that's good. And beating to two of you at once..."
"It is, and you've only been doing this for a few weeks. You are going to be an amazing dueller when you reach your peak."
"Good enough to beat Voldemort?" Harry asked.
"I think so, but we won't know you until you face him again. What else?"
"I'm learning to utilise my full power properly now and my stamina is improving daily."
"Yes. I'm truly impressed with your progress. I might need to bring Moody with me soon."
"As long as he swears to keep this quiet then that's fine."
"He will." Kingsley assured him as he flopped back to recover. "He knows when total discretion is required. Now, I need to rest."
"Hear hear." Flitwick nodded tiredly.
"Okay, with Healer Tracy's permission I'll join the others outside and rest my leg." Harry grinned at the witch.
"Go straight there Harry." Tracy ordered him. "I'll bring you a change and we'll clean you up out there."
Harry nodded and, with help from Ginny and Daphne, stood and slowly limped out.
"Well, you've seen what we want you to aspire to." Hestia took control over the session while her superior rested. "Now get back to work, you're a long way off that level."
There were four groans and one chuckle as Tracy left her friends to their fate.
!HPEaSE!
Emily opened the front door on the nice Tuesday morning and, seeing who was at the gate, hurried down the path to open it and let them in.
"Mum, Dad, Grandma, Granddad." She hugged them in turn. "It's good to see you all. Please come in."
"It's good to see you too, Emily." Philip Smith, her father, returned her greeting with the others. "Is there a need for a locked gate?"
He was still a burly man, his years of military discipline still intact, keeping his body in top physical condition even though he was in his fifth decade.
"Yes. I'll explain later." Emily avoided the topic.
"Are you sure it's okay that we are all here at once?" Jane Smith, her mother asked.
"You only have one guest room."
"We had an extension built which Hermione moved into so her old room is free." Emily explained as she helped them carry everything inside.
"That would be nice to see." Kevin Smith, her grandfather, said.
"You will be impressed." Emily replied feeling a little uncertain.
"What's wrong dear?" Jane asked.
"I never could hide anything from you could I?" Emily grimaced. "Let's go in the lounge. This is pretty big."
Everyone was sitting and had declined multiple offers of food and drink. Emily was showing signs of nervousness as she tried to figure out how to broach the very topic she had brought them here for.
"Come on dear." Jane prompted. "Whatever it is, you can tell us. You are our child."
"I know. It's not me though, it's Hermione. You know how she's always been different?"
"Yes." Diane Smith, her grandmother, answered. "A special girl she is."
"Very." Emily stated. "A few years ago the reason why she was different was explained to us. She has been attending a special school for such children ever since."
"That boarding school in Scotland." Philip commented. "The one you have managed to avoid telling us the name of for five years."
"Yes. Its name is 'Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry'." Emily closed her eyes, fearful of the outburst to come.
"What are you saying?" Jane demanded. "Is Hermione some sort of witch?"
"It's not quite like that." Emily tried to reassure them. "Witch and Wizard are just the terms for female and male people with magical ability. The school was established about a thousand years ago to teach children how to use and control their magical abilities."
"So you are saying the magic is real?" Philip looked sceptical.
"Yes it is. So are magical creatures and a wide variety of other things."
"Magical creatures?" Jane asked.
Emily nodded. "Winky?"
Winky appeared. "Yous called for WInky?"
The four elder couples stared at the house elf's sudden appearance.
"These are my parents and grandparents." Emily indicated the others in the room.
Winky bowed low to them. "It's a pleasure to meet the family of Lady Hermione."
There were a lot of stares as they struggled to comprehend the sight of the obviously non-human person in front of them. Winky started to get nervous at being stared at and shifted uncomfortably.
Emily noticed and rescued the elf. "Winky, can you take their things up to the guest room and Hermione's old room please."
"At once." Winky bowed quickly to Emily and vanished.
"What was that?" Philip asked.
"That was a House Elf." Emily explained. "They are a servant race in the Wizarding World. A World that exists in parallel to ours, but hidden from us. They actually get pleasure from working so while they can appear to be slaves; they actually have a symbiotic relationship with magical families."
"Interesting." Philip managed as he tried to process what he had just seen. "Does the Government know about this?"
"The Wizarding World has its own Government but they do have links to the non magical Government."
"This is a lot to take in."
"And that's only the beginning." Emily said sadly. "There is a lot you need to know and a lot of it isn't pleasant."
"That doesn't sound good." Kevin looked at his granddaughter intently.
"It isn't, I assure you." Emily replied. "I'll go get Hermione and her friends. They can explain things a lot better than me."
Emily rose and left, heading outside to find her daughter and her friends.
She scrunched down the gravel path to the private courtyard hidden within the tall hedges.
"Hi Mum. Are they here?" Hermione greeted her as she emerged between the hedges.
"Yes. It's time, you need to come and explain things to them." Emily said seriously.
Hermione nodded and pulled a light summer dress over her tiny bikini. The others followed suit and the group trudged back into the house to greet Hermione's grand and great-grand parents.
Seeing them through the ranch-slider door, Hermione ran ahead to engulf them in hugs as she greeted them happily. The other waited just outside to let them finished their greetings.
Hermione noticed that the greeting were not a warm as normal and stood back to look them over.
"So, Mum told you that I have magical powers." Hermione stated. "If you have a problem with it then get it out now. This is the only chance I'm going to give you."
"You know what religions say about witchcraft." Jane said.
"Yes I do and it's a load of crap. Magic is just another ability. It's not in any way evil." Hermione fired back.
"So there is no such thing as an evil witch?" Philip queried.
"Yes there is," Hermione admitted, "but it isn't magic that makes them evil. It's just the same as a doctor using his medical knowledge to hurt people instead of helping people."
Philip pondered her point. "I can accept that, in theory. Can you provide proof?"
"Yes." Hermione answered. "There are spells that require huge amounts of positive emotional energy to work and magical creatures that are the embodiment of purity and light."
"Such as?"
"Unicorns. Phoenixes."
"What about evil spells and creatures?" Kevin asked.
Hermione slumped. "They exist too. Dementor's that feed on emotions and souls and spells that do horrific damage to the victim. But if you think that I would hurt an innocent person... Magic doesn't make a person evil, just like a gun doesn't. I'm sure that soldiers aren't evil even though they kill people."
"I can understand that. Soldier's are in a very difficult position. Killing is always bad, but sometimes necessary." Philip sighed. "Why do I have the feeling that the topic of killing is relevant to why we are here."
"Because it is." Hermione admitted. "The Magical World is hidden and exists next to the non magical one. It is trapped in the past in a lot of ways and never developed the checks against the abuse of power that the non magical government's developed. As such, there is a lot of corruption. Not everyone is like that but too many are."
"This doesn't sound good." Philip looked serious.
"It's far worse." Hermione admitted. "The Wizarding World is on the brink of civil war as a terrorist is trying to take over. He is a true evil wizard. We're caught in the middle of it."
"Why can't the Government stop him?"
"Because they were run by an incompetent fool who was easily bought." Susan entered the conversation. "It's only been days since he was removed from power and the necessary changes to remove that corruption began."
"Are you are?" Philip looked over at the group of girls standing just outside.
"I am Susan Bones. My Aunt is the former Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and is now the current Minister of Magic." Susan drew herself up proudly.
"Nice to meet you." Jane replied. "You must be one of Hermione's friends from school."
Susan nodded. "We all are."
"We should take this to a larger room." Harry suggested.
"And you are?" Jane turned her attention to the emerald-eyed red head.
"Harry Potter."
"Harry?" Philip queried in surprise. "Short for?"
"Nope. Just Harry, victim of some obscure magic." Harry concentrated and shifted back to his male form. "Please follow me."
Hermione's grand and great-grand parents followed the now male spell-caster in shocked silence.
Harry led the group into the Entrance Hall. "Sally, these are Hermione's grandparents and great-grandparents. They have full access."
The afore mentioned people looked around in confusion trying to find 'Sally'.
'Sally' made her presence known as she quietly slithered out of the shadows to inspect the visitors.
"What the hell is that?" Philip pulled his wife behind himself and looked between the skeletal snake and the wizard that seemed to be able to control it. "What evil are you doing here?"
"Huh?" Harry looked confused.
"Umm, Harry." Hermione spoke up. "Sally is a giant skeletal snake. They probably think she's some sort of evil undead."
"Oh, yeah, right. Good point." Harry looked embarrassed. "Yes, that is a snake skeleton, or basilisk skeleton if you want to be pedantic, but it's not done using any sort of evil magic. It's animated the same way a golem or statue would be animated, not the way you'd animate a corpse."
"So where it you get it?" Philip still hadn't relaxed.
"I killed it three years ago."
"By yourself?"
"I had a Phoenix help me by blinding it but yeah."
"That's pretty impressive."
"You should see his memories of it." Hermione said.
"See his memories?" Philip asked in surprise.
"By using a Pensive. We can copy our memories into it and others can experience them fully. It's also good for reviewing something to see things you only picked up subconsciously." Daphne answered. "As muggles you can't enter the memories directly but we can project them so you can still watch them."
"Muggles?" Diane asked.
"What magical people call non-magical people."
"I'm not sure that it's very flattering."
Daphne opened her mouth to answer but stopped herself to think. "You may be right. I'll try not to use it but I may slip from time to time so I apologise in advance."
"Thank you. I'm Diane Smith by the way. And you are?"
"Daphne Greengrass. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Are there any other shocks for us?" Philip still looked at Sally warily.
"Lots." Hermione grinned. "Come on."
She led them out into the World Room and watched as the four visitors stared around the massive room in surprise.
"You should sit." Hermione told them. "There is a lot to get through."
After introductions Harry sighed and began explaining the situation, starting with the first war and then events since he had re-entered the Wizarding World.
"I still don't quite understand why children need to be so involved." Jane said looking worried.
"We're involved, whether or not we want to be. Voldemort and his Death Eaters will happily torture and kill any who oppose him regardless of age. We have to be ready to defend ourselves." Harry explained. "And given how single minded he is about killing me then..."
"You're being hunted." Philip nodded in understanding. "Why shouldn't we just request that Hermione leave the country with us?"
"For the same reason you and your father joined the army. To protect the innocent." Hermione stated firmly. "I may be younger than you both were but the situation is just as dire. These are people who will think nothing of attacking innocent families, and have done so for sport in the past.
"Besides, it's too late to escape. I'm a target regardless of whether or not I oppose them. I'll stand a much better chance staying with Harry and learning to fight rather than running."
"She's good at arguing isn't she?" Emily looked proud of her daughter but a little sad. "She's all grown up and trying to save the world."
"I had the same attitude when I signed up." Kevin remembered his own youth. "That changed pretty quick."
"When you first went into combat?" Hermione asked.
Kevin nodded. "You could never understand what it was like for us to battle our way through Europe. The things I saw... I still have the occasional nightmare."
"I know." Hermione replied. "I've already been through my first life or death battle and nearly died. I've nearly died three other times in the last five years. Only one of those could have been avoided by not knowing Harry. Harry personally saved me on two of those occasions and being Harry's friend helped me turn the third into a survivable situation."
Hermione's relatives looked stricken. The shock of nearly losing the youngest member of their family bit deeply into them.
"Why are you telling us now?" Philip asked quietly. "This has been going on for years, why now?"
"Because now is when we are getting serious about fighting back." Hermione answered. "We now know we can't leave it up to other people. We're hoping you can provide a different perspective to our training. We were also hoping that you knew someone trustworthy from the SAS."
Philip looked down and sighed. "I served in the SAS."
"You WHAT?" Emily shouted as she stared at her father. "You served in the SAS and you kept it hidden from me. How could you?."
"I didn't want to worry you. It was bad enough that your mother was scared to death every time I went on assignment, I couldn't do that to you too."
"Well, you can make it up to me by training Hermione, Harry and the others to make sure they survive this too." Emily glared at him.
Philip nodded. "I would prefer that they stayed put of it but if that can't be avoided then I will train them. I don't want to lose my only granddaughter.
"Thanks." Hermione nearly dove over to hug him.
Philip retuned the hug strongly. "Okay. I'll help, but it will be rough."
"Do your worst." Hermione pulled back to grin.
"What have you learnt so far?"
"Want a demonstration?"
"Please."
Hermione looked over at the others and they all nodded and stood to begin their practise duel.
They surrounded Harry and with a look at each other started with a near simultaneous assault on the wizard.
Harry knew their teamwork had improved a huge amount and he wouldn't be able to take it easy. The girls hesitated slightly as they felt Harry's sudden release of energy as he tapped into his powers and began moving at an increased pace as he flowed around the incoming spells and returned fire.
The girls utilised their teamwork to protect each other while still keeping up the attack and Harry had to work to make head way. He used both his Apparation and his martial arts trained movement to move around the field of combat to try and regain his advantage.
It took some effort but he managed to succeed and soon had all the girls stunned. He had to stop to catch his breath before waking them; they had really made him work for his victory.
"Well, I think we did much better that time." Daphne commented as she got up.
"That wasn't bad at all. You team work was good and your reactions and improvisation were better than I expected." Philip complemented them. "You would make respectable short to mid range combatants."
"Thanks." Hermione smiled happily.
"What are you doing for long range combat and hand-to-hand combat?"
"Harry is training in Swordsmanship and martial arts and is teaching us a little. We are getting some knives made so I imagine that those would be our primary hand-to-hand weapon." Hermione explained. "We are working on our long range accuracy too."
"That's good but your spells are too slow to be useful at long range; too easy to dodge." Philip countered. "How would your magic shields hold up to bullets?"
"I have no idea." Hermione admitted. "I don't think anyone has ever tried to find out."
"My understanding of shields is that they'll stop most forms of physical attack." Susan added.
"But they can be overwhelmed." Philip recalled the duel they had just witnessed.
"So heavier calibre weaponry?" Kevin suggested.
"Yes. Possibly incendiary round too." Philip agreed. "I would like to see how well a shield holds up to normal rounds on automatic fire as well."
"I'm happy to help." Harry looked interested. "But you'll have to get the guns and ammunition. I don't think I can help you there."
"That's fine. I can help you with your knife fighting too. What sort of knives were you thinking of using?"
"Basilisk Fang." Harry stated. "They still retain their poison too so they will be effective against a wide variety of magical creatures."
"Nasty. And very illegal, not that I'm really in a position to criticise. Just don't use it on someone unless you really have to. How effective is it?"
"Death in seconds. I can personally vouch for its effectiveness." Harry grimaced at the memory.
"How did you survive?" Jane was nearly whispering in shock.
"The Phoenix that helped me, Fawkes. Their tears hold powerful healing properties."
Philip nodded. "You said we could look at your memories?"
"I'll show you to the Pensive. You might want to keep your wives away from them though."
Philip looked at little surprised and the look only increased when that comment from the gender shifting wizard was agreed on by everyone else present.
"Okay. Dad and I will look through them first." Philip said.
Harry nodded and stood. He silently led them to the Lounge and had Dobby bring the Pensive. They the two non-magical men watching the projection, a three dimensional image floating above the basin.
Harry left them too it, he still had no interest in revisiting those memories.
Hermione had disappeared with her grandmother and great-grandmother to catch up with them and show them around the extension. The others returned outside to continue their studies.
Hours later, two very subdued men emerged from the Lounge to find the rest of their family. Hermione found herself hugged firmly by both men.
"Are you alright?" Kevin asked.
Hermione nodded. "I'm fine."
"What are we missing?" Jane asked.
"They saw the fight I was in with some Death Eaters a few weeks ago and was badly injured." Hermione confessed.
Jane and Diane's eyes brimmed with tears as they too buried the young girl in their combined hugs.
"So, that snaked faced bastard is the primary target." Philip stated. "From what I saw he won't go down easily but he's very arrogant. We can use that."
Hermione nodded. "We can but Harry is probably the only one of us who can penetrate his shields. Voldemort is very powerful and I imagine he's done a number of rituals to boost his power."
"So he's a tank while everyone else only has hand guns." Philip gave a military analogy.
"And Harry has the only anti-tank weapon." Kevin agreed.
"I don't understand how this can fall to a child though." Jane looked at Hermione for an answer.
"They pretty well got it right." Hermione said sadly. "Some people just have that much more power and Harry is one of them. I think magic can make the heroes and villains just that much larger. Take Merlin for example. Centuries later and he's still a legend, even in the non-magical world. The Four Founders of Hogwarts are the same. There are few who reach their level of ability but I think Harry will be one of them."
"So he is the only one with the power to defeat him." Philip said.
"Yeah." Hermione slumped. "There's even a prophesy saying the same thing. I don't normally think much of Divination as a subject but I have to admit this might be valid."
"Can this get any crazier?"
"With magic, and Harry, involved, definitely." Hermione replied.
"Great." Philip's voice was heavy with sarcasm. "Do you have any other tricks up your sleeves that might help?"
"Our Animagus forms, that's the ability to shift into a single animal form though Harry has several, and Harry also has a few tricks he didn't show in our duel. Daphne is very good an enchanting things and Harry and I can help. Hannah and Tracy are good with potions, something else I can help with. Ginny has twin brothers who have a business inventing pranks but I think they could help make things that are a little more dangerous if we ask."
"You can turn into an animal?" Jane asked. "What sort?"
"A cat. Ginny, Daphne and Padma have great cats. Hannah and Susan are dogs, Tracy is a snake and Luna is a bird. Harry has a Unicorn form, his male form all of our forms and his parents and godfathers forms. And a dragon."
"That sounds a lot." Diane commented.
"It is. He's always been told that his mother sacrificing herself to have him left a strong protection on him. I think that's how he got their forms since they all gave their lives trying to keep him safe." Hermione looked sad.
"He's had a tragic life." Kevin remembered the memories he and his son had watched.
"Very."
"How does he have yours and the other girls forms?" Philip asked.
Hermione froze. "Umm. Do I have to answer that?"
"I think you do. You obviously haven't died trying to save him so something else must have happened."
"Yes. You're going to get angry and that's okay but not at Harry. He's done nothing wrong. You also have to understand that magic works differently. It's why normal laws don't always work with magical people." Hermione tried to stare her grandparents down
"Explain."
"I'm trying to." Hermione paused to find an example. "If you swear on your life to do something and don't, there are no real consequences are there. You might upset some people and people will trust you less but that's about it."
"I suppose, though it depends on the situation." Philip replied noncommittally.
"If I was to swear the same thing and my magic got behind it then if I broke my oath my own magic would fulfil the oath and kill me." Hermione looked around at the four horrified expressions. "Magic can be wonderful, but it can be very dangerous as well."
"That is becoming clearer. Have you made such an oath?" Philip looked worried at the thought of losing his granddaughter.
"Not that sort, but the other girls and I swore an oath to Harry to help and support him in his mission to default Voldemort."
"That doesn't sound so bad."
"The strength of the oath has had an unexpected consequence though."
"What sort?" Jane asked warily.
"We're all effectively married to him." Hermione's voice dropped to a worried near whisper.
There was a long silence.
Philip was the one to break the silence. "So Harry has eight wives, including you."
"Luna and Harry have a sibling relationship so it's only seven wives," Hermione said hurriedly, "but yes I'm one of them."
"Do your parents know about this?" Diane looked at her sternly.
Hermione nodded. "They were there when we found out. It was quite a shock for all of us. Harry was all set to try and release us there and then but we told him to wait until his task was complete."
"Why?" Jane looked surprised. "Why wait when it could be resolved sooner?"
"Because Harry needs our help and the bond created by the oath allows us to transfer our magical energy to him. It could also allow our thoughts and emotions to be sent in the future. If one of us is captured then it could be the key we need to find and rescue them fast before they are tortured too much."
"Useful, but you are his wife at sixteen." Philip protested.
"I know, but what if he's the one I want to be married to?" Hermione asked.
"With six others?"
"Are you saying that your relationships are perfect?" Hermione countered.
"That's different."
"Is it? Perhaps it is, but it's my choice. Please trust me to make the right one for myself." Hermione stared her grandparents down.
"It's just so... I don't know how to describe it." Philip floundered for words.
"Harry doesn't do normal." Hermione managed a small, brief smile. "You'll learn that soon enough. He has this quality that allows him to exceed the normal limits we are bound by."
"You said it could transfer emotions, could it influence you to stay against you wishes?" Diane looked worried.
"No. That we're all sure of. I'm not saying that we won't be influenced by the oath, or Harry's raw power, but it can't force or create anything."
"Influenced? How?" Diane nearly demanded, concern and worry marring her features.
"It can't create or hide feelings but it can encourage or dampen them. Harry just wants us to be happy and to be friends so it's helping by dampening down our annoying habits a little and increasing our tolerances."
"That doesn't sound so bad."
"It's not. We spend two and a half days mapping a complex hidden under the mountains in the World Room without any real arguing. We're becoming really good friends. Good enough that we would remain great friends even without the Oath." Hermione smiled.
"That's nice but still, marriage?"
"I know, but nothing's permanent yet. " Hermione shrugged. "We just know that if we want Harry then we'll have to share him. I think some of the others will probably stay with him though."
"Then why would you? It's not proper to share?" Diane refused to move past that one point.
"I know that but what if he's the one I want to spend the rest of my life with? What if no one else can even measure up to being half the man Harry is, even when he's a girl?" Hermione said passionately. "I've known him for years and loved him for nearly as long. It was only after he was turned into a girl and we swore the oath that I managed to summon the courage to tell him how I actually felt about him. What if I'm willing to accept the other girls just so I can stay with him? Am I allowed to make 'that' choice?"
The four adults looked at each other.
"That's a tough question." Jane admitted. "Yes it is your choice, but is it a choice you should be making?"
"It's not one you can take from me." Hermione stated firmly. "You can't tell me who is the right person for me so spend the rest of my life with."
"That's true." Jane sighed. "I don't like it, but promise you'll be careful. I don't want you to be hurt or taken advantage of."
"I won't be. Harry doesn't have it in him. He won't be making any first moves. He doesn't know how." Hermione looked sad as she remembered Harry's life.
The two women looked confused but the two men knew what she was talking about.
"He has had a hard life. An incredibly hard life." Kevin admitted. "Has anything been done about 'those' people?"
"No. Harry doesn't want us to do anything." Hermione grumbled. "I think he should have his Uncle fired and the whole family evicted."
"He could do that?" Philip looked surprised.
"Easily. He owns the house and a significant percentage of the company his Uncle works for." Hermione told them. "I also know a few interesting hexes I want to try on them."
"What are we missing?" Jane demanded of her husband.
"Harry grew up in a cupboard. No metaphors. An actual cupboard. For a decade his only remaining family treated him like a slave and starved him for even minor infractions. I don't know how he grew up to be the nicest guy I know." Hermione explained.
"That's not a reason to be with him though." Jane said.
"I know. How about because he is caring and generous and always puts other first and will stand between you and certain death without a second thought. He's intelligent and surprisingly insightful and passionate and sweet and in being his arms feels like the safest, warmest place on the planet. He's not perfect. He's emotionally and socially stunted and has a temper and can be scary when he standing there shouting but it's never without reason or serious provocation and it's never been violent towards anyone but those who truly deserve it. Are those better reasons?" Hermione was nearly shouting at them at the end of her tirade.
"Yes, alright. You're seeing him and the situation clearly." Jane admitted. "That's good. Is his temper that bad?"
"Not really. He did a lot of shouting last year but he'd been pushed beyond most people's breaking point. From what I've been told he inherited his Mother's temper. She was a redhead."
"So that old stereo-type held true?" Kevin managed a small chuckle.
"Maybe, but Harry's Dad and his friends were pranksters so she was probably provoked a lot."
That got a few chuckles.
"Please promise you won't interfere with my relationship with Harry." Hermione begged her grandparents and great-grandparents. "I promise that I won't rush anything but it's hard enough without more people involved. Mum and Dad are leaving the choice up to us, please do the same."
There were a lot of long glances shared but they finally agreed, albeit reluctantly.
!HPEaSE!
"Pathetic! Do it again!" Philip snapped.
Harry rolled back to his feet and focused on his opponent.
Philip had agreed to give Harry some combat training. At the moment this consisted of hand-to-hand combat practice, though he had devised exercise routines for all the girls. He had warned Harry that it would be 'rough' but Harry was feeling a little dizzy from the last blow to the head he had received. Philip had both training and experience and wasn't holding back.
The girls were watching the sparring session and were beginning to have to clutch each other in worry as Harry began sporting more and more bruises and blood began seeping from some of the harsher wounds.
Ginny clutched at Hermione and bit back a whimper as a feint and a deceptive combo allowed Philip to sink his foot deep into Harry stomach. Harry's breath exploded from his lungs and he ended up on all fours both struggling to get his breath back and dry retching. He managed to get back up and wiped his mouth, finding both saliva and blood leaking down his chin.
Kevin moved between the fight and the girls when he noticed that they were going to step in and stop the fight.
"Let them continue. This is nothing compared to real SAS training." He told them.
"He's being far too harsh though." Hermione complained.
"What would happen to him if his enemies, those Death Eaters, got their hands on him?"
Hermione didn't answer, but her glare spoke volumes.
Harry tried to block the next blow and managed to defend himself for a few seconds before a blow struck the side of his head, staggering him, and the next blow slipped through his momentarily weakened guard and a hand grabbed one of his breasts painfully and used it to slam him back to the ground.
"Get up!" Philip snapped. "Is that all you've got? How do you expect to protect anyone when you can't even protect yourself?"
Harry snarled slightly and tried to sweep the soldiers legs out under him from the ground. All it achieved was a booted heel to his knee.
'Damn it!' Harry swore mentally, wincing on pain.
He had been on the losing side of this fight from the beginning, beginning with the sucker punch that started it. That had been followed by shouted abuse about how he should be ready to defend himself and the others at all times. The fight had gone downhill from there. Harry had never received a moment to regain his balance and now he wasn't sure he could even if he got a chance.
"You know, this is pointless. You should just surrender to them. You may be supposed to be a guy but with this body you would provide them some entertainment." Philip sneered. "At least you won't be taking my granddaughter into a situation where she could be raped of worse."
"Oh, shit." Hermione gasped. "That was way over the line."
Harry snapped. Energy crackled around him as his anger at that comment tapped into his power, subconsciously calling it into the fray.
Harry went from sprawled on the ground to standing a few meters away in a blur. He skidded slightly on the grass as he stopped but his balance never wavered.
Philip retook his stance and he observed this new phenomenon, trying to judge if he should attack now or wait.
The feel of the energy increasing told him to attack sooner but that hesitation was enough to turn the tide of the fight. Philip sprang forward to close the gap but Harry's rage brought forth the winds that initially accompanied his energies. This time though they weren't a steadily stiffening breeze but a raging storm and Philip found himself lifted and thrown back.
Hermione and Ginny shared a glance and ran forward to face Harry and try to calm him down.
"Harry, please. It's fine. You have to get your emotions under control." Hermione shouted.
"Please Harry. It's okay." Ginny added her voice to Hermione's as they tried to calm the enraged wizard.
"I think we might want to start getting people out of here." Daphne said, staring at the rapidly building storm that was causing her hair to fly.
"Yeah." Susan gulped. "We don't want to be in here if they can't calm him down."
"So what do we do?" Hannah asked.
"You all take Hermione's family and get out of here." Daphne instructed. "Susan and I will wait and Apparate those two back to the Club House if they fail to calm Harry."
Tracy nodded and began pulling Kevin towards the exit of the World Room while Luna pulled Philip.
"Sorry about volunteering you." Daphne said to Susan as quietly as the howling wind would allow.
"Don't worry." Susan's eye's never left the scene in front of her. "We're the best at Apparation apart from Harry. We have the best changes of Side-Along Apparating those two out of there if it comes to it. They're not likely to leave on their own."
Daphne reached out and caught Susan's hand and gently squeezed it in thanks as they watched the two Gryffindor girls try to reach Harry through his anger and not get blown away at the same time.
"Harry! Please!" Hermione shouted, nearly begging.
Harry blinked and realised that he was about to hurt his closet friends and tried to rein in the excess energy that he had released but found he couldn't. He shifted his focus on rampaging winds and managed to turn and gather them in front of him. He them pushed as hard as he could and sent the mini tornado careening away from him and the others.
The four girls watched in relief as the compacted winds, swirling with enough intensity to be visible, raced towards the muggle section that had been ground zero for the last such event.
The few muggle housed caught by the edges had windows blown out and roofs partially lifted. The tall office building bore the brunt of the attack. Windows on all four sides of several levels were completely blown out and, though the building remained standing, it could be seen to be swaying visibly, even at the distance they were from the area.
"That was too close." Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.
Harry was shaking. "I'm sorry. I nearly hurt you. I... I... I'm... I'm sorry."
Harry ran past the four girls heading to the exit of the room.
"Harry, wait!" Hermione tried to stop him but he didn't show any sign of having heard her.
The other girls and the two adults had stopped when it became obvious the winds had changed and had seen the raging storm thrown at the muggle buildings and the results.
"Damn. That was impressive." Philip said quietly.
"We were lucky." Tracy snapped at the two muggles. "Last time Harry destroyed that area entirely and nearly the rest of the room along with it."
Conversation stopped as Harry sprinted past them.
"He was crying." Luna whispered into the silence and turned to glare at Philip.
Hermione ran up to them, closely followed by the others, and glared at her grandfather. She didn't say anything but it was obvious that she was fighting to find the right words.
She didn't in the end and instead pulled her wand and, a flash of light later, was running after Harry while her shocked grandfather had been brought to his knees.
The others girls stared in shock.
"Unexpected." Daphne finally managed to comment.
"Yeah." Susan agreed.
"We should check on Harry. He's still injured." Tracy set off.
The others followed leaving Luna standing with Hermione's grandfather and great-grandfather.
"You okay?" Kevin asked his son.
"Yeah, just a little queasy." Philip stopped as he turned green and vomited up a large green slug.
"So that's which spell she used." Luna commented airily. "I was curious."
Kevin was about to ask the unusual blond girl what was happening but waited as she summoned Dobby to get a bucket to catch the second slug to be vomited up. Dobby vanished the two slugs and left.
"What was that spell?" Kevin finally managed to ask.
"The Slug Vomiting charm." Luna chirped. "Normally Hermione would be totally against using such magic on a non-magical person. You've really pissed her off."
"Isn't there anything you can do?" Philip asked after spitting out the slime residue of the third slug.
"Nope. You're going to be vomiting those for about the next half hour." Luna told him cheerily.
"Urgh." Philip slumped.
"You deserve it." Luna's voice was suddenly serious and sharp in stark contrast to her normal airy voice. "Harry's biggest fear and continual argument against us helping him is his fear of us getting hurt and you threw it in his face in the worst possible way and for absolutely no reason and with no warning."
"Worse things happen during SAS training." Philip replied. "It's a dangerous job and you need to be prepared for what might happen."
"Do they do that to you on your first day?" Luna snapped. "You're angry at him for some reason and you took it out on him inappropriately."
"Yeah. We found out,... #blurg#, yuck." Philip stopped to vomit another slug.
"We found out that he had managed to marry our Hermione and several other girls, including you if I'm not mistaken." Kevin took over.
"You took that out on him?" Luna was aghast, and angry. "You stupid idiots! Harry is not responsible for us girls making that Oath. Nor is he responsible for us not being released. If you want to be angry at anyone over that point then you should be angry at us girls. Don't you dare take it out on him!"
"Perhaps, but it still doesn't make it right." Kevin stated.
"Only because you've been brought up believing that. It's not that uncommon in Padma's culture. Did you ever think that this situation might be the best thing for all of us?"
"Really?" Philip managed to look sceptical. "Can you honestly tell me that your oath isn't influencing you at all?"
Luna sighed and composed her thoughts. "I know it is, and I know how much. It has little more influence on us than a very attractive woman with impressive boobs would have on you. Its biggest effect is dampening the conflict that could arise between us. The rest is really just Harry."
"What do you mean?" Kevin asked.
"You need to understand that magic isn't just something we do, it's a part of who we are. That's why these oaths have such power. I'm sure you've heard of eye's being windows to the soul, it's possible but I wouldn't rely on it.
"What we have is magic. It's as important to us as in choosing a spouse, or friend, as beauty, intelligence, compassion, and anything else you fancy is to you. It has one important difference though; the feel of a person's magic is a true reflection of who they are at their deepest levels."
"So you're attracted to his magic?" Kevin looked sceptical.
"Not exactly, it just shows his purity, kindness, warmth, everything that makes a girl feel safe and loved simply by being in his presence. It's a better way of choosing someone than breast size or looks."
The two retired soldiers looked at each other in embarrassment.
"The feel of a person's magic tells you exactly who they are and Harry's is the most impressive I've ever felt. If I hadn't developed feelings for someone else I would consider him my husband instead of my sister."
"Okay, so magic is a big thing to you and Harry's a nice guy, girl, whatever. That doesn't make this right." Philip said.
"Perhaps if you let me talk instead of interrupting me I might be able to get to my point." Luna scolded him.
"Now, Harry is a special case." Luna resumed her lecture. "He's still developing who he is and, due to his upbringing, is very... 'suggestible'. He could pick any one of us girls and they would live a long happy life together simply because he would finish developing in a way that was compatible with her. Whoever he chose would help him develop certain skills to a high level and he would help do the same for her."
"Very nice. Your point?" Philip growled having just thrown up another slug.
Luna shot him a look that silenced him. "He would never reach his true potential though. Harry is a far more complex person than he appears. With eight very different girls, our combined influence on Harry will help him develop 'all' his skills and abilities so that he can truly become the man he is meant to be."
"Wonderful." Kevin said sarcastically. "So it's all about him. I'm not impressed."
"It's not." Luna contradicted him and pulled her wand. "Expecto Patronum!"
The two men flinched as the sliver light spilled forth and resolved into an odd animal.
"The Patronus Charm. It's a defensive spell powered by positive emotions and used against some very dark creatures." Luna explained. "This is normally not learnt until after you graduate. It's considered extra credit in your NEWTS."
"Newts?" Kevin looked confused.
"You study at Hogwarts for seven years. At the end of the fifth and seventh years you have the main exams, OWLS and NEWTS. These tests are graded at a standard level internationally."
"Right." Kevin nodded. "So, why are you showing us this?"
"Because most adults can't cast this spell at all, let alone to this level, and don't even try until after they graduate. Ginny and I are the youngest of the group having just finished our fourth year while everyone else has finished their fifth year. For us to be able to cast this spell at this level is unheard of. We only know it because Harry learnt it in his third year and taught us.
"Harry taught us an impressive piece of magic and has helped us improve in many other areas of spell casting just by being Harry. That's who Harry is; he brings out the best in anyone who is willing to let him. This bond we have with him due to the Oath brings us even closer to him and each other. While we are helping him reach him potential he is doing the same for us. And since we are linked to each other through Harry, we are doing the same for each other too.
"This bond we have with Harry is making us into far better people than we could ever have achieved with anyone else, bonded or not. Harry is the catalyst that will allow us to not just exceed our limits but to shatter them. We gain just as much from this bond with Harry as he does, if not more. Breaking the bond will hurt us more than you can imagine."
"That's food for thought." Kevin admitted, causing Philip to blanch at the mention of food.
"I understand it's hard for you to accept." Luna's voice softened. "But you have to leave the choice up to us and respect what we choose to do, even if you don't like it."
"That won't be easy." Kevin said.
"Just remember what Harry did to those buildings because I can see him doing that to anyone who hurts any of us." Luna grinned. "And that is just a sample of what he can do. He's almost destroyed this entire room in the past.
Kevin and Philip shared a scared look. Neither wanted to be on the wrong end of that attack.
"I owe him an apology, don't I?" Philip sighed.
"A very big and sincere apology." Luna glared at him.
Philip nodded, then leant back over the bucket to let another slug join the others.
"Is magic really that good an indication of a person's character?" Kevin asked curiously.
Luna nodded. "Yes, though most don't realise it consciously. I see things a little differently to others."
"Then if Harry's so great, why do you only see him as a sibling?"
"Because his magic was tainted by an outside force. I liked him because he was always nice to me when others weren't but the taint put me off. Because the others don't see things like that so clearly they looked pasted it more easily."
"A taint?" Kevin asked, worried.
"It's completely gone now. It was a residue from the murder attempt he survived as a baby. Now his true self shines through, though in a different body. If I had seen it first I would have fallen for him instead of my sweet Neville." Luna smiled happily.
"What sort of taint? Bad thoughts or emotions?"
"No. Even the purest of souls can feel those without compromising themselves. This taint is from delving and revealing in the darkest of magic's and emotions for long periods of time. It was like chains of Harry's entire being. Since they have been removed he can truly be himself."
"The source of that taint is what you are fighting isn't it?"
"Yes." Luna nodded.
"The others must have been impressed when you told them this."
"I haven't. There's no point."
"Huh?" Both Kevin and Philip looked shocked.
"They wouldn't learn anything useful. I saw the taint but never understood it. Harry figured out what it was after it was removed. As for the other things, knowing them would either not change anything or hamper them with unfair expectations. It would be better for everyone to just leave things as they are." Luna shrugged.
"How can you be so sure?"
"I have Seers in my ancestry. I don't think I am a Seer myself but I know I see things others don't. I know that the greatest happiness for Harry, Hermione and the others lies on the path they are currently taking. You want Hermione to be as happy as possible, don't you?" Luna asked pointedly.
"Of course." Philip answered.
"Then leave them to work things out on their own. They're on the right path for that, just support their decisions, even if you disagree with them."
"Are you sure she won't get hurt?" Philip nearly whispered.
Luna looked off into the distance. "There will be some pain but without pain, how can you understand happiness. The path with least pain for her also ends in the least happiness. This path will have more pain, but far less than others. I promise you that Harry will not hurt her. He'd hurt himself first."
Kevin and Philip both remained silent as they contemplated her words.
"Where would Harry be?" Philip said quietly.
"I'm not sure, but I'd wait until you've finished throwing up those slugs." Luna commented returning to her airy tones. "It's really rather disgusting."
!HPEaSE!
"How are you?" Hermione asked as she sat next to Harry on his bed.
"Dunno." Harry was sitting there, knees curled up to his chin.
Hermione wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close. Ginny sat on his other side and Susan and Daphne moved behind him so that they could hug him comfortingly as well. The others sat on the bed in front of him, silently offering their support.
"What if they're right?" Harry asked after a few minutes. "What if awful things happen to you because you're with me? What if I hurt you by accident?"
"They could hurt us even if we stayed away from you." Susan replied.
"At least you have the chance to protect us if we're with you." Daphne added. "And we are learning to defend ourselves as well."
"We know the risks Harry." Hermione told him. "This is nothing we haven't discussed amongst ourselves already. If it happens it will be terrible but all we can do is train and plan and try to ensure it doesn't happen."
"Come on." Tracy said after a minute of silence. "I need to heal you."
"I'm okay." Harry tried to dissuade her.
"No you're not. He hurt you and I'm going to heal you so either you let me or I stun you first."
Harry groaned, but allowed the Slytherin witch to heal him, the other witches backing off to give her room to work.
Tracy worked her wand over Harry's body, healing the bruises inflicted in the recent sparring session. When she finished she surprised everyone by sitting down in his lap and embracing him.
"Now, we're in a dangerous situation but we will work together as a team and make sure we all come home safe." Tracy spoke into his ear softly.
Harry nodded against her shoulder.
"Now, we should practise Occlumency. If you lose control like that in a real battle then you could end up hurting us and I know you'd hate that."
Harry pulled back with an aghast and shocked expression. "Did... I didn't, did I?"
"No, you didn't hurt us but it was risky for us." Tracy told him honestly. "You have to have control of your abilities Harry. You have too much power not too."
Harry nodded. "I know, I'm sorry. Let's practise."
They all sat on the bed comfortably and entered their meditative trances.
They got nearly an hour of practise before Luna tapped on the door and entered.
"Sorry to interrupt but there are two people in the Living Room wanting to apologise to Harry." Luna said in her usual absent tone. "I'm quite impressed by your charm, Hermione. It took nearly an hour to wear off, much longer than I expected."
"I was angry." Hermione replied. "Are they going to give an honest apology?"
"I think so." Luna perched herself on the edge of the bed.
"You used a spell on your own grandparents?" Harry looked at Hermione in shock.
"He hurt you." Hermione stated matter of factly. "It was only the Slug Vomiting charm."
"Yuck." Harry pulled a face in disgust.
"Yes, well, I was quite disgusted with him for how he hurt you."
"I should go see what they want." Harry said reluctantly.
"Come on. If they don't apologise properly then I want to be there to hex them again." Hermione stood and offered Harry a hand to his feet.
The whole group headed along the corridor to the Living Room where the two retired soldiers were waiting.
Philip stood as they entered. "I owe you a huge apology. I acted in a completely unprofessional manner and took my frustrations out on you. I'm really sorry. You're not too badly hurt are you?"
"Compared to Voldemort's Cruciatus curse, it's nothing." Harry waved his concerns off.
"The problem is the emotional damage you gave him." Hermione growled. "You watched his memories, you knew his weakness, and you pounded on them for no reason."
"I know." Philip sighed. "And I'm going to have to do it again. But not to hurt you, I promise. You have a weakness there and I have to train you to focus past it or your worst nightmares, and mine, 'will' come to life."
Harry closed his eyes. He felt Hermione about to retaliate and touched her arm to stop her while he let the old soldiers words sink in.
"You're right." Harry finally admitted. "I can't lose control like that; it would cost me everything against Voldemort."
"How can you talk like this?" Hermione protested angrily.
"I was tortured during my SAS training." Philip told the assembled group of girls, and the pseudo-girl. "It's a mandatory part if you want to pass the course. It's to show you what will happen to you if you are caught. It's so you fully understand the risks and their consequences."
"That's barbaric." Hermione protested.
"It's necessary." Philip countered. "Every one of us went on our missions fully understanding the situation and we were better off for it.
"I'm not suggesting that I'm going to torture you, but you need to understand the risks if you are caught. Harry, you might be able to withstand unimaginable pain but what if they are carving your body to pieces, or one of your friends? What then?" Philips voice softened at the end but the severity of his words struck the students like a hammer.
Harry shuddered. "This is why I don't want them to get involved. If they were hurt like that, it would tear me apart."
"And we feel the same about you Harry." Daphne spoke softly.
"Which is why we're going to be there to make sure you come back safe." Ginny stated firmly.
"It's always harder when it's someone other than yourself." Susan commented. "But you have to weight everything up against the whole situation. Some things are more important than our safety. We can protect ourselves. Many of V...V... You-Know-Who's victims can't."
Harry nodded. "Nearly Susan."
"You do all realise that there's a simple answer, do you?" Tracy commented.
"Do tell." Hannah prompted.
"We train our cute little arses off so that there is no way any of them could hold us captive, let alone capture us in the first place." Tracy stated.
"Bold answer for a Slytherin." Hermione teased as the mood lifted dramatically.
"No, just cunning, and really, really ambitious." Tracy grinned.
!HPEaSE!
"I think Harry's ready to try and enchant the Basilisk Hide sample you gave me." Daphne said as she sat in front of her father's desk in his study.
"Very good news. I have completed the jewellery you wanted enchanted and some more knives. You can take them with you tomorrow." Lord Greengrass replied.
"Thanks." Daphne nearly gushed.
"Contain yourself daughter."
"Sorry Father. This is just really good news."
"I am aware of that. How is your training coming?"
"My duelling skills are improving rapidly. Not as fast as Harry though."
"Is he really that good?"
"I think he may become the best dueller in the world. Ever! I just hope to be even half as good." Daphne told him.
"Harry seems to be an extremely talented young man, woman." Lord Greengrass frowned. "How do you handle that?"
"Harry is still a guy at heart and we call him such. He's managed to return to his male form, at least for short periods of time. Perhaps that may change when he masters it."
"There is potential for him to create a new identity for his female form; a disguise of sorts. It appears that he will have his female form for quite some time."
Daphne pondered for a moment. "That's a good idea. I'll raise it with him. Goodnight Father."
"Good-night Daughter."
!HPEaSE!
"Finally!" Susan glared at her Aunt as she appeared through the floo.
"Sorry. Every day just seems to last longer." Amelia sighed.
Susan shifted on the couch where she was reading, dropping her feet to the floor to allow her Aunt to collapse next to her.
"So, anything interesting happen today?" Amelia asked after a minute.
"Hermione's Grandparents and Great Grandparents arrived for a visit today. Her Granddad served in the SAS, whatever that is, and they are going to help in our training."
"The SAS is a muggle military unit. An elite military unit." Amelia studied her niece. "If you are serious about your training then learn what you can from him. I might pay him a visit. Maybe I can use his skills or provide aid for your mission."
"Our mission?" Susan was a little confused.
"You're planning on helping Harry defeat You-Know-Who aren't you? That sounds like a real mission if there ever was one."
Susan nodded. "How was your day?"
"Meetings all day with people who are out to get as much for themselves as they can and screw over everyone else."
"Language!" Susan teased.
"I've spent the entire day watching my language young lady." Amelia fired back. "I'll be stuffed if I have to do it at home as well. You should know better by now anyway."
Susan giggled at her tired Aunt. "Anything else, that you can tell me anyway?"
"There is to be a celebration of my ascension to Minister of Magic on Friday. You are going to have to attend with me. Actually I think most of your friends will be there anyway. Harry certainly will have to attend."
"That'll go down well." Susan grimaced.
"Oh?"
"He has managed to return to his male form, but only for short periods. Nowhere near long enough for an evening event."
"Then he'll just have to attend in his female form." Amelia stated.
"That's what isn't going to go over well." Susan grimaced.
"The event starts at Six but I'll want him, and the rest of you here at Five."
"Huh? Why?" Susan looked confused.
"I'm holding a strategy meeting. Because of Harry's influence, I'll need his support. And since you and the other girls are standing with him then you need to be here to learn how to work with him and advise him."
"I understand." Susan nodded.
"Good. Now, it's late. Go to bed." Amelia gave her a hug and then a gentle push towards the door.
"'Night Aunty."
"Goodnight Susan."Amelia smiled as her niece vanished.
!HPEaSE!
Officer Ann Anderson left the Station, she'd worked at late. Again. Her sister's new friend kept bothering her and her searches for answers kept coming up dry. She could find nothing on this mysterious girl called Harriet Potter. Nothing.
There were more unanswered questions piling up every single day and she didn't like that one bit. She joined the police because she liked solving puzzles and this one was getting the better of her.
She was not going to give up just yet though.
!HPEaSE!
"Hermione?" Ginny looked at her older friend in confusion. "What are you doing?"
"Putting on a swimsuit." Hermione, her back turned, dropped the last of her clothing on her bed and reached for her bikini. "You should too."
"Why?"
"Because we are taking Harry swimming tonight." Hermione explained. "He needs some positive time with us after the mess my Grandfather put him through today."
"Okay." Ginny nodded and went to her own drawers.
Hermione finished tying her top and half turned to talk to Ginny while still giving her some privacy.
"You know, there is a muggle tradition about a 'midnight swim'. They are a special private moment between couples."
"Sounds nice, but we are a little more than a couple." Ginny commented.
"True." Hermione grinned suddenly. "We're also missing the most important part."
"Huh? What?" Ginny paused in tying her own top. "I want us to do this right."
"They're usually done naked. Are you ready for that?" Hermione repressed her grin.
"Uhh." Ginny froze, her face turning bright red. "No. I'm not, sorry."
"Neither am I." Hermione assured her. "I'll go get Harry ready while you finish getting ready."
Hermione pulled a t-shirt on over her swimsuit and left the red-head to compose herself after the surprise revelation and finish getting ready.
Hermione tapped on Harry's door and opened it after a moment. Harry was sitting on his bed meditating. Hermione entered and sat next to him quietly but the movement of the mattress under him broke his concentration.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you." Hermione apologised.
"It's okay. Can I help you? And why are you dressed like that?" Harry blushed as he saw Hermione's bare legs disappear under her t-shirt, sitting just below her hips.
"Stop it Harry. You've seen me in less than this before."
Harry's blush deepened at the thought.
"Harry!" Hermione huffed, but grinned inwardly at his reaction. "We're going swimming, so change immediately."
"Swimming? This late? I need to go to sleep soon." Harry protested.
"We won't go swimming for long. You need some fun. It's just going to be you, me and Ginny. We may even have some kissing too, so be ready to bring out your male body, okay?" Hermione stood and headed for the door.
"Hermione?" Harry called as she left the room.
"Yeah?"
"Do I have to wear a bikini? If you want me to turn into a guy I'm just going to... to... umm... 'falll out' again."
Hermione stifled a giggle at the thought. "I wouldn't mind that, but otherwise you can wear swim shorts with your bikini top. I got you a pair; girls wear that sort of thing too, occasionally."
Harry gave Hermione a long look. "Do you mind telling me why you have me wearing those tiny bikini bottoms then?"
"Tiny?" Hermione lifted her t-shirt a little to reveal her bikini thong, emphasising her point. "Yours aren't that tiny and they are perfectly suited for a female body. Plus they aren't much smaller than the shorts and they help you get used to your new body, which is more important."
"Okay." Harry relented, not wanting to argue with her.
"Plus, less clothing can provide an openness that's normally hidden." Hermione added. "It can make us more vulnerable and force us to trust each other more. Something that we really do need as a group."
"Clothing can be a means of hiding ourselves." Harry nodded in understanding.
"Or a part of ourselves that we feel weakens us." Hermione nodded. "Honesty and openness is something we need to develop between all of us."
"Can I ask something?"Harry spoke hesitantly.
"Of course."
"Why is it that you all seem to have already decided to stay with me?"
"We haven't, but the reality is, for me at least, that the only thing I'm not sure about is sharing you with the other girls. I may not be ready to have sex with you and I know you're far from ready yourself, but that's just a matter of time." Hermione's cheeks flushed slightly at the topic of conversation.
Harry was bright red. "You really mean that?"
"We've known each other for five years and gone through some pretty rough situations. I may not know everything about you, but I know enough to know that I could be very happy spending the rest of my life with you." Hermione closed the gap between them and gently cupped Harry's cheek. "I just need to know if I can handle sharing you with the others and that isn't easy, as much as I like them all."
"None of you should have to share anyone." Harry said quietly, eyes wide at the simple, yet intimate touch.
"We should be able to be with the person who we love the most. The person who will make us the happiest. What if we all find that most special person in you? Should we give it up?"
Harry couldn't find an answer to that.
"I feel the same way." Ginny made her presence in the doorway known. "In fact, to be honest, I think that if it were just Hermione I was sharing you with I would've already decided to stay with you. I'm still getting to know the others but I like them too. We seem to be building a strong group here and I like being a part of it."
"We know you aren't sure about this Harry." Hermione spoke again. "It's to your credit. But, please, let us chose to be with you on our own. You have to choose whether you can be with all of us. That is the only thing you need to focus on. It is our choice to share you, let us make it."
Harry nodded. "Okay."
"Thanks." Hermione smiled and lent forward to place a gentle kiss on his lips. "Now, hurry up and change. I want to go swimming."
Harry nodded and turned towards the drawers.
Harry and Ginny were surprised when Hermione pulled them into the World Room and pushed them towards the stairs heading down.
"Hermione?" Harry questioned.
"Head to the river, I'll catch you up. I just want to do something first." Hermione headed up to the next level while waving them towards the other stairs.
Harry and Ginny left the building and headed out across the nearly trimmed grass towards the river. The fake sky was dark with a partial moon and twinkling stars. It was anyway. The sky suddenly lightened and the red glow of a sunset appeared.
"Different. I've never seen a reverse sunset before." Harry commented as he stopped to watch.
"Me neither." Ginny replied. "Wait. It's stopped."
"No. I think it's going forward again." Harry countered.
"Ah. She wanted to create a more romantic setting." Ginny realised.
"Oh." Harry paused and looked back towards the Club House.
Sure enough Hermione appeared and run towards them. Harry blushed at the sight on her lightly confined and covered breasts were bouncing vigorously under her movements.
"What you do think?" She asked as she caught up.
"Pretty." Ginny said. "Very romantic."
"Good." Hermione caught one of Harry's arms and pulled him into motion again.
Ginny caught his other arm and the three Gryffindors finished their trip to the river.
When they got there they expected to stop but Hermione kept them going.
"I want to explore the island up river by the waterfall." She explained.
"Oh, yes. That's a wonderful idea." Ginny brightened.
"I thought so."
"Umm." Harry paused and was jerked slightly as the two girls refused to stop walking and pulled him along. "I've already been on the island."
"So? Just keep quiet and don't spoil it for us." Hermione shot him a glare.
"How are we going to get out to it?" Harry asked. "I used a broom last time."
"We're going to swim, of course." Hermione told him. "That's why we're wearing swimsuits."
"Uh." Harry hesitated again. "I'm getting better at swimming but I'm not sure I'm that good yet."
"Don't worry. We'll be right next to you the entire time to keep you safe." Hermione pulled his arm closer to reassure him.
"Thanks."
They reached the lake edge and continued round until they reached the closest point to the small island in the middle. Hermione casually pulled off her t-shirt and headed into the water.
"You two coming?" She called back casually over her shoulder.
Harry and Ginny shared a glance and quickly followed suit.
It was a long swim for Harry as he slowly paddled out to the island but Hermione and Ginny both kept pace with him and made sure he was okay. As soon as he felt the sandy beach of the island he put his feet down and pulled himself out of the water and sat on a rock to rest. Hermione and Ginny swam a little more before getting out and sitting next to him.
"This is nice." Hermione sighed as she leant into his shoulder gently.
"Yeah, but it could be better." Ginny stood and pulled them both to their feet. "Come on."
"Where are we going?" Harry asked as he let the younger red-head pull him and Hermione.
"We'll get a better view of the sunset from over here."
Hermione smiled and let go of Ginny's hand and caught Harry's other hand to help pull him along. "Wonderful idea,. I wish I had thought of it."
Better positioned to watch the last of the sunset they sat together, Harry in the middle and both girls resting against his shoulders.
"This is really nice." Harry whispered as the fake sun finally disappeared.
"You sound a little surprised." Hermione whispered back.
"I've never done anything like this before." Harry explained. "I like it."
"Then we'll just have to do this more often." Ginny said.
"I'd like that." Harry smiled.
Hermione turned away from the sunset to look at Harry and felt her smile widen at the happy look on his face. She couldn't resist and leant over to kiss his cheek. "I agree. We should do this more often."
Harry looked at her in shock at the sudden show of affection but she just used to opportunity to gently touch her lips to his.
Both Harry and Ginny jerked in surprise.
"Hermione?" Ginny asked.
"What?" Hermione smiled. "Harry is still Harry. His body has nothing to do with who he is."
"Oh." Ginny nodded. "I understand. But..."
"You're not ready to take that step." Hermione finished for her. "That's fine. I think Harry should turn back and see how long he can hold it. While we distract him..."
Ginny blushed as the insinuation but nodded gamely. "Okay. Harry?"
Harry looked between the two girls and gulped but shifted back to his male for, feeling his shorts shift as his body changed inside them and the bikini top fell free against his chest as his breasts vanished.
Hermione leant in again and captured his lips in a longer deeper kiss before pulling back and nodding to Ginny.
Ginny blushed and gently caught his chin to guide his face towards her and planted her own firm kiss in his lips. After a moment she gave a gentle moan of pleasure and leant deeper into the kiss.
Hermione watched the two kiss and smiled. It wasn't hurting. It didn't feel painful. The bond they had was blocking those feelings and allowing her to watch the man she had fallen for kiss her best female friend happily. In fact, she didn't want to just watch. She leant forward and started kissing Harry's shoulders and the back of his neck.
Harry jerked in surprise at the sudden attention to his back but Ginny didn't release him from her kiss for another few moments. She looked and her eyes widened as she saw Hermione laying kisses across his shoulder and working up his neck.
Harry gasped for breath he had only just realised he needed and Hermione pulled back a little.
"Silly. Breathe through your nose." She told him as she gently turned him back to face and, giving him a moment to get his breathing under control, pulled him into her own passionate kiss.
Ginny watched, then took her cue from Hermione and began kissing Harry's neck herself.
They continued this way, alternating back and forth, their kisses increasing in passion and intensity until Harry suddenly realised he was about to change back and pulled free from Hermione's kiss.
"Sorry, but I'm about to change back." He panted breathlessly, his cheeks flushed.
Hermione nodded and pushed him to Ginny. "Then we should make the most of the time you have left."
Ginny nodded but said nothing. She was already capturing his lips with her own.
Hermione sat back to watch happily and saw Harry shift back. His hair lightening to the vivid red and lengthening down his back. She reach round Harry carefully so as not to disturb the kissing pair and pull his loosely hanging bikini top back into place to preserve his modesty and waited for the pair to end their kiss naturally.
Ginny pulled back smiling happily. She opened her eyes and her flush shifted from passion to embarrassment as she saw Harry had turned back already.
"Sorry." Harry looked down sadly.
"Don't be. I didn't want to stop." Ginny told him. "It's just going to take some getting used to."
"Yeah." Harry nodded and turned to Hermione. "Thanks for... you know."
"Putting you back in your top." Hermione grinned. "You're welcome. And, just so you know, I'm not ready to stop just yet."
Harry's expression took on a deer in the headlamps look and Hermione closed the gap and kissed him firmly and passionately.
Ginny was surprised too but relaxed and watched them calmly and found herself smiling happily. She felt no jealousy at the sight. It was a little odd to see two girls kissing but this was Harry and Hermione, the two people in the world she was closet to. It was actually quite beautiful.
Hermione finally pulled back. "That was wonderful."
"I agree." Ginny moved closer and hugged Harry from behind. "We'll do this more often right?"
"Please?" Harry managed to ask.
"I want to." Hermione agreed with them. "I want to keep going right now but it's getting late and Harry has his morning lessons to consider.
"Yeah." Ginny nodded. "Harry also has to work on holding his male form for longer."
"I get the feeling that I will be getting lots of practise at that." Harry commented.
"You'd better believe it." Ginny growled at him playfully. "Hermione might not mind kissing you in your female form but I'm not ready yet and I know she would prefer you male form too."
"Yeah." Hermione admitted. "Sorry, but I do."
"That's okay." Harry assured her. "I still prefer that form myself."
"How are you coping with this one?" Ginny asked gently.
"It's getting easier, but I still struggle a little occasionally." Harry looked down.
"That's understandable." Hermione gently gripped his shoulder comfortingly. "It's only been about three weeks. Is the day to day stuff easier?"
"Yeah." Harry nodded.
"Good. Everything else will get easier too, in time."
"I know." Harry sighed. "Come on. It's late and I need to sleep."
Hermione and Ginny shared a sad look at the abrupt end to the conversation and followed him back into the water.
They reached the shore and Harry summoned their t-shirts but they didn't bother putting them back on as they walked to the room's exit. Instead Hermione and Ginny pressed their scantily clad bodies against Harry's to provide him as much comfort as possible.
He stiffened a little at first but soon relaxed and soon the mood lightened to a happier one the better reflected their special time together and they walked under the silver light of a full moon.
"A full moon?" Ginny looked across Harry to Hermione.
"I thought it might be more romantic." Hermione admitted.
"Um." Harry paused. "When we master our Animagus forms, do you think we should invite Moony to spend the real full moons in here so we can keep him company? That sort of thing really does help him."
"I think that's a wonderful idea." Hermione smiled.
"I agree." Ginny added. "Just as long as it doesn't get in the way of our snogging."